Pickleball’s popularity is rising fast—but so is the UV index… Here’s why playing indoors at IPOP is the safer summer choice, and how our first-ever tournament helped raise over $100,000 for youth sun safety with Melanoma Canada.
Pickleball + Summer = Fun!!…Until It Isn’t
We know how much you love playing pickleball under blue skies. The energy, the sunglasses, the vibe—there’s nothing quite like it.
But after your third game in 30-degree heat, the sunscreen’s wearing off, your energy’s tanking, and that “healthy glow” is looking a little too red.
A lot of people think indoor pickleball is just for rainy days—but when summer hits, a cool, climate-controlled court might just be your new best friend.
At IPOP, you can rally without overheating, sweat without sunburn, and keep your game sharp without baking on the blacktop.
🧊 Cooler Courts. Smarter Summer.
Let’s face it: the summer sun isn’t just hot and sticky—it can also be dangerous.
Too much sun when playing outdoor pickleball can do real damage, which we’ll talk about in a moment.
However, IPOP offers a better option this summer:
Indoor pickleball.
Playing at IPOP means:
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No sunburns, no reapplying sunscreen
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No overheating, no UV damage
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No waiting in the sun for paddle lines or for tennis players to finish their game
Most importantly, you’ll be inside where it’s cool and out of that hot sun.
Here, inside, you get pure pickleball fun in a climate-controlled space.
And we’ve got options for everyone at any skill level with Open Play, DUPR Saturdays, Skills & Drills, tournaments, lessons, and more—rain or shine.
📲 Book a sun-safe indoor pickleball session through CourtReserve at www.ipop.fun or on the CourtReserve app.
If You Absolutely HAVE to Play Outside… Be SunSafe
While we’d love for all of you to play inside at IPOP, we also understand that you want to spend some time outdoors in the sun and heat.
Hey, we get it… You’re probably still going to play outside. We’re pickleball addicts, too! But if you’re going to smash the pickleball around outdoors, please do it safely.
So here’s what you need to know about the dangers of too much sun and how to prepare yourself.
☀️ Risks of Playing Pickleball Outdoors in the Summer Heat
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Heat exhaustion or heatstroke – Dizziness, nausea, and even fainting can occur after prolonged exposure to the sun.
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Dehydration – Quick fluid loss through sweat can lead to cramps, fatigue, and poor performance.
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Sunburn and skin damage – UV rays can cause painful burns and lasting skin damage, even on cloudy days.
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Reduced performance – Heat affects your reaction time, focus, and endurance (wear your eye protection!).
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Hot surface hazards – Court temperatures can soar, increasing the risk of slipping on the melting asphalt or even burning your skin on contact.
✅ Quick Sun Safety Tips for Playing Outdoor Pickleball
Protect yourself with these simple tips:
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Apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen every 2 hours.
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Wear UV-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays.
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Avoid peak sun hours between 11 AM and 3 PM. Or better yet, play indoors during these hot times! Check CourtReserve for availability here.
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Stay hydrated and seek shade when possible.
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Check your skin regularly for new or changing moles.
And of course, whenever possible, just skip the sun and come inside to play at IPOP. 😉
Melanoma, Skin Cancer, and Melanoma Canada’s Good Work
Speaking of moles, another significant risk of excessive sun exposure is melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
A Few Facts You Should Know:
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Up to 90% of melanoma cases are caused by UV exposure
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Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
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It’s the #1 cancer in Canadians aged 15–29
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1 in 3 cancer diagnoses worldwide is skin cancer
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And yes—you can get sun damage even on cloudy days
Check out Melanoma Canada’s Sun Safety page for tons more information.
💛 Why Melanoma Matters to Us
Earlier this year, we hosted our very first tournament—and it wasn’t just about winning points.
We partnered with Melanoma Canada to raise awareness and funds for sun safety, particularly among young people.
And thanks to our incredible community and donors, we helped raise over $100,000 for the Sun Guardians Grant Program, helping kids across Canada access the tools and education they need to stay safe under the sun.
Specifically, the Sun Guardians program provides tents, shaded areas, and sun protection for children while they play outdoor sports this summer.
If you’d like to learn more about the Sun Guardians program or donate to this worthy, noble, and life-saving cause, please click here.
🎤 Star Power on the Court
Helping us raise all that money for the Sun Guardians were none other than Billy Baldwin and Chynna Phillips.
They didn’t just show up—they played, cheered, and connected with our players and fans.
And in a moment no one will forget, Chynna sang “Hold On” for the crowd after her match—pure magic.
Meanwhile, Billy took time to sit down with IPOP’s own Sebastian Dulmage to talk about pickleball, the cause, his favourite shot, and more!
👉 Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/GyX1CAxEaTs
🏁 Bottom Line: Same Great Game. Less Risk.
Whether you’re here for the fitness, the fun, or the community, there’s no need to battle the blazing sun.
IPOP’s indoor courts give you a safer, more comfortable way to enjoy the game you love—all summer long.
☀️ Stay cool. Stay safe. Stay in the game.
📲 Book a session through CourtReserve at www.ipop.fun or on the CourtReserve app.
🎥 Don’t forget to catch the full Billy Baldwin interview where he chats about why he loves pickleball and why Melanoma Canada is so special to him: https://youtu.be/GyX1CAxEaTs